Vulnerable favourites on the card:Race 3 Pakistan Baby (7-2): He is a yo-yo on the class ladder, he’s not fast enough to win with light weight in Class 3 and doesn’t seem to get home at Class 4 with the high weight, and with him still winless after 15 tries on the dirt and throw in the 11 hole today too, no thanks.

Notes for the day:Race 1 (458): -90 Rainbow Gold (18) didn’t make the turn and carried out Starlit Knight (36) and Supreme Storm (35) out extremely wide with him, taking any chances they had right there with him (Rainbow Gold did close well in the stretch after the incident). Fantastic Fabio (36) took the lead at the top of the stretch and had no excuse not to hold off the winner Five Stars Agent (39) who just wore him down. From the pan shot it looked as if Massive Millennium (32) was refusing to split a couple runners in the lane but from the head-on there was plenty of room for him to go thru, he just wasn’t fast enough at the right moment.

Race 2 (459): 96 Bold Elegance (53) looks to have lost this at the draw, had to overcome the 12 post and wasn’t able to get close to the rail and travelled three wide in the turn only to lose by a half-length to Travel Emperor (63) who saved ground on the rail and Zach had to ask for everything out of him to get up. Elite Boy (55) was just a little short after controlling the pace, Hearts Keeper (57) just missed out while him and Goldie Flanker (55) move flying late.

Race 3 (460): 98 Flying Force (53) was a little slow out then Elite Spirit (56) bothered him slightly and the Ng took him back instead of trying to hold his position. Born Dragon (52) never looked comfortable while racing on the rail in tight chasing the winner Startling Power (53) who was allowed an easy lead and was full of run when he straightened up for the drive home while the runners behind him were already scrubbing. Grade One (57) might have caught the winner if not for having to shove his way for room behind the second flight that weren’t going anywhere.

Race 4 (461): 96 Good Fit (55) was checked going into the first turn when Wong on Sparkling Sword (49) came over onto him which in turn forced Quick Return (60) also to alter course. Sempiternal (45) was even with the eventual easy winner Remarkable (51) at the top of the stretch but was stuck behind the tiring duelers and was never allowed to fully extend himself, Teetan at the 200 metre mark and wrapped up and let him gallop out. Let Us Win (60) and Crown Avenue (58) closed late but were never going to challenge the winner after racing too far back early on.

Race 5 (462): +98 Moreira had a very eventful ride on Nice Kick (59), was at least five wide in the first turn then made a move in a hot pace to the leaders on the backside heading into the second turn had enough by the 300 metre mark. Winner Amazing Feeling (57) was able to save ground in both turns but when they entered the stretch Wong on Golden Sleep (59) tried to herd Berry in behind tiring runners but there was a small enough opening for him to get thru and those two fought all the way to the wire. Imperial Concorde (55) made a huge run late after going extremely wide.

Race 6 (463): 99 Faithful Trinity (70) was scratched on his way to the gate when he threw the rider and ran off. Righteous Mate (62) was very rank out of the gate which cost him a couple lengths to the field. Moreira had another wide trip after drawing the 13 post on Gran Master (65) who was very wide in both turns, he tried to make a move in the turn but it happened at the same time the leaders were beginning to run away from the field. Nuclear Power (71) and Dr Win Win (83) dueled the entire trip and both had to dig down in the stretch with the longer price Dr Win Win getting up at the wire after the favourite Nuclear Power looked like he was going to get away from him mid-stretch.

Race 7 (464): +101 Perfect ride by bugboy Mo on the winner Blocker Dee (88) saved ground right behind a rush of 5 runners and as one by one started to fold out of the pace he pulled right up to the shoulder of California Fortune (88) without surrendering his position. First time runner in Hong Kong Great Honour (82) was steadied on the backside when Team Fortune (88) came over into his path. Fight Hero (95) just missed out at the wire after being caught in the wash for most of the stretch run, also Team Fortune finished properly.

Race 8 (465): 102 Front running type Phantom Falcon (64) took a leap out of the gate on the rail taking him out of his proper setting, then was steadied soon afterwards on the backside. All You Need (61) was bumped at the beginning and was forced to race in the rear afterwards. The winner Pick Number One (83) had to deal with a number of runners on the front end, but it had no effect with his total performance, when he reached the stretch he ran away from the field without much effort. Ugly Warrior (77) had to deal with Storm Signal (73) coming over onto him on the backside (costing Poon a couple days) but in my opinion it wasn’t all that significant in his final running position, he was in good position to make a run at the winner but wasn’t fast enough when Ho asked.

Horses to watch for next out list:Race 8 (465): #11 Phantom Falcon (64): He has shown a tendency of running second in his career so far, picked up Moreira for the ride and drew the rail in a very tough Class 3 event with 2 young real good runners in Pick Number One (83) and Ugly Warrior (77). He leaped out of the gate costing him a length but more important he would now have to race in the rear while he had been showing early speed of recent, then he had to check up 200 metres away from the gate costing him another couple lengths. Looked to be full of run when he reached the stretch but was now having to deal with slowing traffic in front of him, he moved further away from the rail for running room and closed well afterwards and almost finished in the money, galloped out past the field after the wire.

*Speed figure notations:Before the number:+ - Race had an extremely fast early pace.-- - Race had an extremely slow early pace.After the number:# - Figure was adjusted due to abnormal fast or slow final time.? – Figure was not adjusted but may be out of line for their normal performance for the class.

Vulnerable favourite on the card:Race 2 G-One Union (4-1): Was scratched out of his last race when he went on the Vet’s list for a lame right hind hoof, a dead closer breaking form the rail always seems to find traffic issues.

Horses coming out of key races (races where multiple winners have come back next time out and won):Race 255 (Winners: 7th & 8th, second: 2nd)Race 9 Bravo Watchman (5-1)

Last race watch list horses:Race 6 Raging Storm (4-5): First time starter for the John Size barn was bet down to the prohibited 1-2 favourite, was a little slow in the going at the break putting him in a bad situation for a first time starter with 13 other runners around him. Then was forced back half-way down the backside, then became to climb when he entered the turn, closed well in the stretch after getting caught up in the wash early in the stretch after the slow pace that was set. He galloped out past the first three finishers soon after the wire full of run.

Race 10 Calculation (5-1): A runner who likes to be near the lead but was taken totally out of his comfort zone when he took a nice leap right out of the gate, all the while the eventual winner Agree (69) was able to gain control of the lead halfway down the backside. Thru-out the turn Calculation became very rank when Diamond Dragon () was in tight and climbing himself, Moreira moved him to the three path looking for room but Badel on Kiram (61) had him herded behind three runners, after all that Moreira never got into him and allowed him to gallop out to the wire.

Notes for the day:Race 1 (466): 93 A total chaos race from the beginning to the end, what with 6 first time starters with one of the Goodluck Goodluck (52) was bet down as the 5-2 second betting choice (who showed early speed and tired after dueling in between runners), but it was another first time starter that was very slow out of the gate for Moreira on Complacency (58) and still found a way to get up which rarely happens in the 1,000 metre races at Sha Tin. The betting choice Lucky Volatility (60) had no excuses, sat right behind a three horse duel but had nothing for the winner when he was challenged. Ocean Elite (47) was steadied at the 450 mark and then when Sanna tried to get him back in the race he lifted his mouth up and finished out very green.

Race 2 (467): 93 May have been the biggest surprise winner of the year (paid $164 to win), You Have My Word (46) was averaging finishing 41 lengths behind the winners of his last five races, he didn’t beat the best Class 5 race but it was nowhere near the worse either. Kwaichung Brothers (39), Le Pegase (25) and Gold Talent (21) were all in a winning positon mid-stretch but none of them could match the longshot winner, and both Hit A Home Run (38) and Lightning And Gold (21) were slow away from the gate, while Spicy Double (23) had to take up heading into the turn costing him a length in position while racing on the rail.

Race 3 (468): -105 The 2-5 favourite Ping Hai Star (109) toyed with this field even after a slow early pace set by Kingsfield (), Moreira gave him a couple love taps when they straightened up and his quick turn of foot outclassed everybody. Circuit Glory (88) didn’t finish all that bad considering he never relaxed for Teetan, he fought him pretty much the entire trip.

Race 4 (469): 94 The long awaited debut for Seventy Seventy (53) for Hall was made and he put in a descent effort after running into some traffic issues in the stretch. Winner Iron Boy (65) who was coming off of three lackluster efforts on the dirt, found himself mid-pack racing two wide and at the 350 mark Whyte found himself all covered up and was looking for an opening, finally at 200 metres to go it became available and he exploded to the wire without being hit once while out finishing the first time starter favourite and Charming Bachelor (59) who ran third. Charming Bachelor was a little slow out of the gate (1 length) and raced at the rear of the field but finished with a professional kick for a first time starter, he did throw his head around a bit in the run for home so look for him to be equipped with cheek pieces next out. Both Eighty Eighty (60) and Goko (50) lacked a final kick and were outrun by the top three finishers.

Race 5 (470): 97 Beauty Day (58) threw his head up and over the gate and was left behind by at least 20 lengths, there was a long inquiry on ruling him as a runner. Electric Lightning (51) became rank on the backside which in turn forced Poon on Sport Master (41) to lose his action for a moment. Winner Telecom Man (53) sat right off the surprise front runner Indigenous Star (44) who in his previous 13 races had NEVER shown any early speed. Telecom Man pulled up to the leader at the top of the stretch with Yourthwonforme (43) with Moreira on board, but he quickly threw out the anchor and there were no more challengers left for him to the wire and he drew away with ease. Lucky Time (60) looked poised to make a challenge but lacked the kick when he refused to switch to his proper lead foot. Royal Chocolate (47) was quickly grabbed up by Prebble after the wire.

Race 6 (471): 100 The 1-2 favourite Raging Storm (63) lived up to his billing today, no mucking around with him going straight to the lead and let the field get a good view of his rump, he did start to tire at the 170 mark when he switched back off his proper lead but he was never in trouble. The Full Bloom (44) (did close well in the stretch after having move out wide entering it wide) and Sunny Power (52) were knocked sideways out of the gate when Planet Star (55) broke in on them. Empire Star (52) was gaining on the winner after going wide in the turn and quickly galloped out past him after the finish line.

Race 7 (472): 104 The 5-2 second choice Rivet (96) was scratched when he reared and kicked getting his left leg stuck over the rear of the gate causing him to scratch. Savvy Six (86) acted up before the start ripping his bridle off and ran off then was slow from the gate at the start (was full of run late while racing very green, should be a nice runner when they work out the kinks). Limitless (89) was very rank when Callan took him to the rear of the field soon after the start. Patriot Hero (82) closed well while racing in the middle of track but was too far back to make up the difference. Sergeant Titanium (93) put in his usual good effort only to be passed by the favourite Ruthven (97) near the wire, the winner never changed leads in the stretch which may be a problem in the Derby when he will have to manage a second turn and by my count was whipped by Purton 21 times for him to get pass Sergeant Titanium.

Race 8 (473): 105# Probably the most impressive win of the day from Jolly Gene (80) and in the same race the biggest disappointment effort by Rule Thee (76). With a lack of early speed to deal with, bugboy Poon let Jolly Gene get a comfortable lead. The race was 1,800 metres but was over after 400 metres from the gate. Neither Bring It On (70) and General Dino (62) had no chance of catching the easy winner.

Race 9 (474): 101 Baltic Whisper (80) sat down as the gates opened costing him probably three lengths to the field which means his race was done at that moment going 1,000, also having trouble at the start were Diamond Master (62) and Country Melody (81). The top two finishers Bravo Watchman (88) and Mr Lumieres (77) ran head and head with each other until Bravo Watchman came over and gave the other a nice little love tap at 250 metres causing Mr Lumieres to lose his action for a moment and he wasn’t able to stay with the winner afterwards. Dragon General (83) closed like gangbusters but was way too far back early on to make up the difference, look for him to soon return to the 1,200 metre races.

Race 10 (475): 99 Joyful Moments (70) threw his head upwards at the start causing him to race very unstable soon afterwards, Sanna took him straight to the rear. Calculation (77) set the pace all by himself setting an honest pace but just couldn’t hold on until the 100 metre mark when the winner Turin Redstar (79) finally chased him down. Ultimate Glory (67) closed with the winner but wasn’t fast enough to overtake him, while Lucky Guy (65) was stuck behind runners in the stretch and was full of run in the gallop out.

Horses to watch for next out list:Race 4 (469) #8 Seventy Seventy (54): Was bet down as the 2-1 favourite in a pretty tough Class 4 going 1,200 metres with the services of Purton om board. Raced 5 lengths off the leader Lucky Lucky who was setting a quick first fraction, he was full of run entering the stretch while being herded down on the rail, he became rank for an extended period of time while Purton was trying to find some running room. He quickly accelerated when Purton was able to straighten him up but was outrun to the wire by a more experienced runner, he did tire in the last 50 metres switching back off his proper lead, should improve off this effort.

Race 6 (470) #6 Sunny Power (52): Was unfortunate in drawing Raging Storm (63) and him getting pretty much a perfect trip, while Sunny Power was bumped repeatedly at the start forcing him to the rear of the field. He finished off well after racing on the rail and having navigate thru some tiring runners in front of him and quickly galloped out past the winner after the wire.

Speed Figures and trip notes for the 2 runners in the Macau Hong Kong Trophy:Romantic Touch 110 Perfect trip on the lead with little pressure and was able to draw off on the soft footing with nothing gaining on him late.

Marvel Hero 99 Settled in the rear while chasing the eventual easy winner who set a comfortable pace, closed to outrun tiring outclassed runners while never going to be able to get near the winner.

Horses to avoid next out:Race 2 (467) #5 Kwaichung Brothers (39): Had no excuse not to hold on to the wire but to be outrun by You Have My Word (46) is unforgivable.

*Speed figure notations:Before the number:+ - Race had an extremely fast early pace.-- - Race had an extremely slow early pace.After the number:# - Figure was adjusted due to abnormal fast or slow final time.? – Figure was not adjusted but may be out of line for their normal performance for the class.

Last race watch list horses:Race 5 Har Har Heart (9-5): One of the few that was able to win while not running on the front end, was three wide in the turn for home and within a few steps took control of the lead and ran away from the favourite and the rest with plenty of reserve in the tank, luckily he only picked up 9 points so that will allow him to stay in Class 4 next out, the high weight shouldn’t be a problem for him.

Race 6 Fortune Booth (5-2): Was taking a drop to Class 3 where he was 1 for 1 in that class prior to this race, unfortunately drew the outside post with the short run to the bend on the backside. Was a little slow out of the gate which probably was the best thing for him, Purton took him straight to the rail. Raced a little rank soon afterwards, from my observation it looked like he wanted to run, but had to take up heading into the turn when Fantastic Feeling had to slow down for traffic that was slowing down in front of him. He continued on the rail looking for room but was unable to find any during the entire stretch run, was forced to check near the wire soon after a situation happened just to the left of him, the race was already decided before that happened.

Race 6 Alcari (5-1): Drew in as the light weight of the field, was forced to race a little further back than what he’s normally accustomed to, then became a little unbalanced when he was pinched heading into the turn. At the 150 metre mark Teetan saw a small hole but so did Badel on the winner Bold Stitch (71), the only problem was Bold Stitch beat him to it and at the same time Exceptional Desire (63) drifted out and created a log jam at the point of attack causing Teetan to take up on him and then hand rode him to the line afterwards.

Notes for the day:Race 1 (476): +94 Sweet Bean (30) and The Joy Of Giving (34) were both compromised at the start and Happy Friendship (26) had no response for Mo in the second turn after sitting right off the front running winner Megatron (45). He set a very quick early pace which usually spells doom going long at the Valley, but when there were no challengers he was able to draw off for an impressive win. Celebration (30) and Loaded (38) ran even in the lane but were never going to catch the easy winner.

Race 2 (477): 112# Winner Ivictory (107) is now 6 for 7 after jumping out to a quick lead and set a course record at 1,200 metres in 1.08.52 and picked up 12 rating points. The original speed figure was 123, which would mean 6 of the 7 runners would have new lifetime tops coming out of this race, even at 112 it’s 7 points higher than par and would be a top weight figure heading into a Graded race. California Whip (93) ran a very game race chasing the big winner but just didn’t have the extra two gears he would have needed to catch Ivictory, hopefully this won’t take too much out of him, Purton only went thru the motions with him in the stretch while never putting the hammer down on him. Starlight (81) put in a decent effort considering the circumstances.

Race 3 (478): +95 Good Days (61) had a perfect trip in more ways than one, he was able to save ground in all three turns while the chalk Garlic Yeah (54) was in all kinds of trouble in the turn for home having to take up losing at least a couple lengths in his action, which Happy Rocky (60) also had to take up behind that. The winner had to hold off King Bountiful (52) who stood in the gate and eventually had to go three wide in the final turn and never switched to his proper lead step (hopefully, there will be another 2,200 metre race scheduled soon and he gets a better draw than 11 for it at the Valley). Audacity (46) also had a wide trip before making a run to the lead and couldn’t hold on in the lane.

Race 4 (479): 95 Usually running near the front Nashashuk (45) sat back in the gate and when they opened he leaped out losing 2 lengths to the field and putting him in a very uncomfortable situation. Brilliant Dream (52) had to check up after becoming rank heading out of the short turn, also Master Viking (52) steadied when Happy Bao Bei (54) came over onto him. Hero Time (57) was able to sit on the rail behind the eventual quitter and scooted up under him when they entered the stretch and quickly ran away from the field. California Aspar (61) ran a bang up race considering he was 52-1, he just didn’t have the extra umph he needed to stay with the winner.

Race 5 (480): -95 Purton on The Judge (61) decided on the backside to move him into contention after a slow pace was being set by Win For Charity (53), the only problem with that is he was now forced to go three wide in the turn. Perfect trip for the 4-5 favourite Har Har Heart (65) with Moreira on board, saved ground in both turns and was able to scoot thru in on the rail when Ho on Win For Charity gave him a slight opening in the stretch, and Joao was able to coax him thru. Charity Wings (46) was a step slow at the start then was pinched back, became rank before the first turn, then on the backside Poon tried the same move Purton did but his steed couldn’t make it to the lead then after going 4 wide in the second turn made another move in the stretch. Mega Treasure (42) was wide thru-out.

Race 6 (481): 100 First time Hong Kong starter Gameplayer Emperor (70) was a little slow out while breaking on the rail. Leung on Cheerfuljet (68) was unable to get him to relax on the frontend and dueled with the 9-5 chalk Alcari (63) which eventually took its toll on both in the stretch. Winner Fortune Booth (87) raced in the rear half of the field and was full of run at the top of the stretch but had to wait for an opening which did happen at the 200 mark and quickly out ran the tiring front runners. Super Leader (61) closed well in the stretch all the while trying to drift in after going three wide in the turn.

Race 7 (482): 101 Winner Smart Boy (73) was all out to get up at the wire against Fast Most Furious (72) who had been away from the track since last November, he bullied his way thru a small opening at the 100 metre mark forcing Sanna on Lotus Breeze (63) to check up and almost go down (Purton got 2 days for it, almost put him on the watch list but find it hard to trust trainers that are at 3% for the year). Pretty much at the same time that was going on Mo on Most Beautiful (62) couldn’t keep a straight line and drifted down onto Navas (64) who went into a tiring Extremely Fun (74), Mo as like Zach got two days and was fined $4,800US (stewards don’t play around there).

Race 8 (483): 104 Returning to Class 3 Hang’s Decision (77) took a nice leap right out of the gate losing a couple lengths to the rest, and Super Lucky (61) was rank going into the first turn three wide. Easy favourite winner Winning Faith (83) raced on the rail in the third flight behind an honest pace being set by Energetic Class (62) who eventually faded badly. The seas opened up for Winning Faith at the top of the lane and the race was over at that moment, and drew off under a hand ride. Pretty Bauhinia (72) was near dead last entering the stretch and closed after being forced very wide into it. Pay close attention to runners coming out of this race, 2nd thru 6th ran to or a point just below par for Class 3.

Horses to watch for next out list:Race 2 (477) #3 California Whip (93): Had the worse luck drawing in a race where the winning horse Ivictory (107) is now 6 for 7 and breaks the track record for 1,200 metres. Broke just a half-length slow and Purton probably had to use him a little more than he would have liked early on in the race to hold his position, unfortunately he was then forced to chase the winner for the remaining of the trip due to Rispoli taking Fantastic Eight () back and not allowing him to run up front and giving Ivictory the easy lead. He made a couple runs at him, once on the backside and then again in the turn but was unable to head him at any time, he drew off and beat the third place runner by 2 ¾ lengths under pretty much a hand ride (his final figure is above par for the class).

*Speed figure notations:Before the number:+ - Race had an extremely fast early pace.-- - Race had an extremely slow early pace.After the number:# - Figure was adjusted due to abnormal fast or slow final time.? – Figure was not adjusted but may be out of line for their normal performance for the class.

Vulnerable favourite on the card:Race 3 Beauty Prince (2-1): Is only 1 for 27 lifetime in Hong Kong and would rather not pass leaders in the stretch, probably needs to drop back down to Class 3 to find another win.

Last race watch list horses:Race 6 Willie Way (9-1): Has a preference for running on the dirt much more than he does on the turf, settled near the rear going two wide in the first turn but a little more than half-way had to be taken up seriously when it looked as if Sharp Sailor (73) came into his path. Was 5 wide entering the second turn, moved even wider when they reached the stretch all the while looking full of run but was never going to catch the high weight favourite Prawn Baba (92) for John Size.

Race 8 Super Wise (7-2): Was involved in the race where My Beginner’s Luck took a left turn and bothered a few runners with the big winner Ivictory being one of them. When My Beginner’s Luck came back together after drifting out he came back over on Super Wise and forced Purton to take up on him costing him his action and a couple lengths, was never going to catch the winner but beat the rest with ease.

Race 10 Diamond Dragon (70): Broke with his two front feet off the ground which is not significant what with his late running style, settled mid-pack while the eventual winner Agree (69) was loose on the lead, midway down the backside he started to fight Rawiller for the bit and began climbing pretty significantly, this went on for at least 500 metres. Entering the stretch it looked as if he took a slight bobble, he quickly recovered but had nowhere to run being stuck behind a wall of four and not able to get out with Calculation (77) and Kiram (69) pinning him in, finally at the 250 mark Rawiller took him back for room he then closed on the winner but ran out of room late while switching off his proper lead foot at the 50 metre mark, he galloped out well past the winner after the wire.

Race 10 Sacred Ibis (67): Was put on the list two races back but he’s had the unlucky draw of catching a couple nice runners, today he caught the impressive son of Frankel Simply Brilliant (88). Was bumped at the start but with his running style it wasn’t that big of a deal, raced 10 lengths from the leader and 6 behind the eventual winner, moved to the 5 path entering the stretch but instead of continuing outwardly and losing more ground Teetan kept him underneath a rival and he continued closing in the lane, was the only runner who made up any ground on the big winner and beat the next finisher by 2.

Hong KongRacing RecapDate: March 11, 2018Track: Sha TinTrack Bias: Turf: Speed and a good rail Races that have become Key Races after today’s results: 258

I have decided to stop making speed figure for the Hong Kong tracks, after extensive research I have come to the conclusion that there is very little difference in my figures and the ones provided by SpeedPro on the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s website. Here is a link to their tutorial on their figures:http://www.hkjc.com/english/formguide/tutorial.htmlI will provide a link totheir SpeedPro page before each race meeting.

Notes for the day:Race 1 (484): A Star Luster (34) threw his head up at the start and raced very rank down the backside and three wide into the turn, while Don Wongchoy (23) finished a very game third after being three wide in the turn while not getting any cover. Flying Noble (47) sat right off the pace two wide and found a hole as soon as they straightened up in the stretch and ran away from this field without much effort. Vara Pearl (40) ran right behind the winner but was never going to catch him, while Happy Beauty (36) closed well in the stretch after racing at the rear in the early potion of the race.

Race 2 (485): Both Laugh Out Loud (46) and Rocket Go (40) were both extremely slow out of the gate, My Winner (51) was bumped sideways when Stellar Feeling (52) came out immediately as soon as the gates opened and then became rank while travelling three wide in the turn. Shanghai Dragon (54) started to climb half-way thru the turn when he was looking for running room while he was stuck in on the rail, this continued until the 250 metre mark, then couldn’t muster enough speed to catch the winner. Golden Dash (66) dueled on the lead and was helped with his main rivals having more difficult trips. Destin (54) raced wide and wasn’t fast enough to chase Golden Dash down. Leisured Feet (55) looked poised to make a run but flattened out mid-stretch.

Race 3 (486): Beauty Prince (91) was allowed to set a very pedestrian pace and by the time they reached the stretch the race was for who was going to run second and third. Fight Hero (95) stumbled out of the gate, and Seven Heavens (82) was rank entering the first turn.

Race 4 (487): Fire And Gold (52) leaped out of the gate losing a couple lengths to the field and never recovered afterwards. Good Choice Ahead (41) became unbalanced in the turn when he wanted to move outside by wasn’t allowed by the eventual winner Amazing Satchmo (53) who was racing three wide uncovered. He moved to the front at the top of the lane and was ready for a fight to the finish, at the same time Rawiller on Noble De Love (54) was riding like he was on the second coming of Secretariat and waited too long to get into him and allowed Amazing Satchmo to keep his momentum going and was outrun to the wire (pinheads). The habitual second place runner Bingo (44) was covered up on the rail and was never allowed to fully extend his legs. The Full Bloom (44) was gaining on the leaders near the wire but had to deal with too much traffic early in the stretch to make up the difference.

Race 5 (488): Bugboy Wong made a terrible mistake moving Golden Sleep (59) to the front after going wide in the first turn while the front runners were setting a very fast pace. Then Whyte did the same thing with Enreaching (53), it eventually did both of them in. Other than going five wide into the stretch, winner Remarkable (57) had a pretty uneventful trip and out finished Quick Return (62) who also was wide in the turn after being a little rank earlier in the going. Elusive State (50) had no response when Enreaching looked him in the eye at the top of the stretch and quickly succumbed to him. Hay Run (60) closed in the stretch after having to weave thru some traffic issues, didn’t pick up any points and will be allowed to re-race at Class 4, hopefully at 1,800 metres.

Race 6 (489): After going into the first turn 6 wide the apprentice Wong on Gran Master (63) rushed him to the lead, his race at that moment was over in waiting. Good move by O Doleuze on Calculation (87) to let him go, he took back and waited for him to tire and come back to him, and drew away entering the stretch under a hand ride. Royal Performance (75) was bet down to 7-2 after not racing since last May, was very rank entering the first turn when Super Chic (71) came into his path, he eventually beat the rest pretty easily to the wire, should improve off that effort. Willie Way (75) made a move on the turn but swung out to the 8 path at the top of the stretch and there was no way that was going to work out for him, Berry continues to show me he doesn’t deserve to ride in Hong Kong. Travel Emperor (63) was wide thru-out and Faithful Trinity (65) made a workout move on the backside.

Race 7 (490): Dundonnell (111) break on his knees and then was way off balance when he was trying to recover, put a line thru this out for him. Magic Legend (100) who likes it on the front end had to be steadied soon after the gate when Callan on Peniaphobia (111) came over onto him, it resulted in him getting a 2 day suspension. The classy winner Amazing Kids (126) waited for the front runners to tire while racing near the rail, at the 250 mark Prebble reminded him why they were there, he switched leads and finished out very nicely. Fabulous One (103) showed some heart after setting a quick time in the turn but was probably just outclassed by the winner. The race was the beginning of three bad rides by Teetan on the day, never tried to find cover in the race and went four wide in the turn on House Of Fun (103). Magic Legend closed in the stretch after his issues at the start, Born In China (111) may need to return to Happy Valley.

Race 8 (491): Purton took full advantage of the rail drawing and the light weight on Super Wise (73) sitting behind a quick duel on the front end and waiting for his opening to pounce and out finished some rivals who were running into a little trouble. The first time Hong Kong runner Harmony Hero (75) was bet very heavily but you had to be very nervous when he came on the track and refused to behave himself to the gate. Then Berry (again) was unable to find a way near the rail and had to go 4 wide without any cover, hopefully he’ll have a different rider next time and a better draw. Go Public (66) was next to the winner entering the stretch but was outrun to a hole they were both trying to get to, Star Shine (72) refused to split a couple runners in front of him in the stretch then had to maneuver around when Orionds (66) started to tire and drifted out into his path. Lucky Dollar (78) needed the race after being away since January.

Race 9 (492): Fiama (70) was bumped pretty hard at the start when Raging Blitzkrieg 76() drifted outwardly at the start, also at the break first time Hong Kong starter Blazing Partners (70) was steadied. The chalk Volitation (74) had no excuses in the effort he put in, was in a perfect spot entering the stretch while getting a nice duel in front of him and when Teetan asked for something, there was nothing there from him. Chung Wah Spirit (74) looked like he was going challenge for the top spot but as soon as he straightened up at the top of the lane the winner ran away from him, the winner Sun Touch (73) dueled early and still had plenty in the tank to run away from the field without much encouragement by bugboy Mo. Fiama who had the incident early on was flying late.

Race 10 (493): Diamond Dragon (70) tried to duel with the eventual winner even with Nash trying to retain him from doing it, which is strange what with him a deep closer most of the time. Lightweight winner Everest (69) as mentioned earlier fought on the lead and still had enough to hold off three challengers at the line. Both Unicorn Jewellery (74) and Sangria (63) closed late but were too far back to catch Everest. Then there’s Teetan’s ride on Sacred Ibis (67), it was just bad, real bad.

Horses to watch for next out list:Race 2 (485): #3 Shanghai Dragon (54): In his third lifetime start after he showed a very impressive debut two back when he ran 3rd a half-length back to Eighty Eighty (60) then ran 2 lengths behind Silver Fig (57) in his next race. Picked up the top rider Purton for this race (Moreira was suspended on this day), he was able to get him into the race soon after the break then heading into the turn Zach got him to take back and let Multimax (44) and the eventual winner Golden Dash (66) fight it out of the front end. At the 700 metre mark he started to fight Purton when he was wanting to run but he was now trapped in on the rail, he finally started to relax at 300 metres, unfortunately was still blocked and then had to move down near the rail when Multimax started to tire and drifted out into his lane and finished evenly afterwards.

Race 8 (491): #2 Harmony Hero (75): After 2 easy wins in Australia and some impressive barrier trials he was bet down as the 3-2 favourite. When he came onto the track he really started acting up and continued this behaviour all the way to the gate. He did draw a very unfavourable gate with the short run to the turn in a 1,200 metre race, at the start he broke a step slow then make a quick move to the leaders but Berry was unable to find any room near the wire and was forced four wide while not getting any cover. He was passed by the winner Super Wise (73) who had a much easier trip at the top of the stretch, he flattened out soon afterwards and finished evenly. He should improve off the experience of an actual true right handed race.

Notes for the day:Race 1 (494): Treasure And Gold (44) Was under a tight hold while he went under the wire after being stuck behind a wall of runners mid-stretch. Raichu (38) was rank and wide in the turn and was outrun by the winner with less than 100 metres to go. Exponents (23) was blocked in the stretch and King’s Steed (20) was a length slow out of the gates. Scarborough Fair (34) was a quick pull up by Leung soon after the wire.

Race 2 (495): Longshot winner Multigogo (55) had a perfect trip on the front end and was all out to hold off the closing favourite Great Joy (59), who raced on the rail in company but was too far back to make up the difference on the lone speed winner. Play It (47) was bet down after a month break from the races and was three wide in the second turn, Sempiternal (44) was quarter horsed after the start but was not able to get near the leader. Daring Heart (51) was two lengths slow out the barrier then started to buck soon afterwards, then became rank on the backside, he is demanded to run a couple barrier trials by the stewards before he is allowed to return to racing.

Race 3 (496): You couldn’t ask for a better trip by Peace Combination (56), breaking from the rail sat behind two runners killing each other on the front end and getting the outside one to drift outwards entering the stretch and giving him a hole to quickly run away from the field. Longshot Flying Monkey (56) was closing in on him at the wide while never changing leads and Peace N Prosperity (60) was wide and not fast enough to catch the winner. Nashashuk (45) was 2 lengths slow but did make a nice move late in the stretch, all the while Sharpmind (53) was being blocked for running room mid-stretch.

Race 4 (497): Aeroluminance (41) and Polymer Luck (46) both set fast early fractions for 9 furlongs but then I guess bugboy Poon was feeling lonely so he decided to move My Blessing (41) right into the fast pace on the backside, it eventually cost all of them. King Bountiful (54) was slow out of the gate after drawing the outside post, Excellence (38) threw his head at the break. King’s Man (61) raced on the rail in the third flight behind the fast pace and had to hold off the troubled starter King Bountiful and Glory Star (47) who was flying at the wire. Contribution (53) and The Sylph (55) were both wide in both turns.

Race 5 (498): Bond Elegance (58) sat in the cat bird seat on the rail behind Nice Fandango (49) who had been away from the races since January and drew the outside post and Whyte probably had to use him up more than he wanted to on getting to the lead, he was just a little short and should improve with the effort. Buoyant Boy (54) closed late when Teetan asked him for run and almost got up after travelling wide in the turn, The Happy Bunch (46) and Rookie Star (44) were both blocked in the stretch with the latter probably needing to go a little further than 6 furlongs.

Race 6 (499): Generous Heart (74) finally got a trip where he could fire his best, sitting in the third flight without any company around he was able to relax, moved to the three path in the turn, then shifted outwards to clear running entering the stretch and by the 200 mark was looking like a runaway winner. Sir Redalot (80) didn’t have much response for the winner and giving away 13 pounds to him didn’t help matters. After travelling wide in the turn High Five (69) just didn’t have enough in him to catch the top two, while Double Valentine (62) had no excuse not to hold on.

Race 7 (500): Money Boy (77) was rank in the turn while full of run, then had to wait for running room at the top of the lane and when it became available he ran to the wire looking like a 8-5 chalk instead of a $52 winner. Moment Of Power (77) was probably compromised by the early pace duel on the backside and him throwing a shoe heading into the turn. Storm Signal (73) didn’t have the final kick he needed after breaking a little slow out of the gate. General Iron (70) looked like he refused to split Storm Signal and the rail mid-stretch.

Race 8 (501): Strange ride by Purton on Lucky Girl (79), he had been showing early speed in his last two races in a higher class, but Zach took him back soon after the start and then couldn’t find room to get over to the rail in the first turn. Then tried to force the pace while chasing a lone speed High Volatility (68) who was setting a slow pace, but was not able to reach him and was pretty much eased in the last 100 metres, he looked very sore in the back in his gallop out. There was no excuse for High Volatility’s lackluster showing in the stretch after the pedestrian pace he was allowed to set. Winner Litterateur (91) looked to become unbalanced when heading out of the short turn, but soon recovered and raced on the rail while finding a hole in the stretch and drew away for an easy win. Chater Legend (80) had no response for the easy winner. Circuit Glory (81) finished well after going 3 wide in the final turn.

Horses to watch for next out list:Race 4 (497) #5 King Bountiful (54): Has had the worse luck of late at the draw with 10, 11 and today’s 12 post in his last three races. Was two lengths slow out of the gate which in all reality was a good thing for him, but after about 50 metres he looked like he wanted to lay down and take a nap, by the time they entered the backside he was over11 lengths off the leader. By the time the field had reached the final turn he was back in contention, and with Chadwick not panicking and sending him wide, he kept his head saved ground on the rail, he did for a moment run into some traffic issues but fought thru and was gaining on the winner King’s Man (61) and almost got up in the last step.

Race 5 (498) #7 Nice Fandango (49): Had been away from racing since early January and was bet down as the 7-2 favourite even after drawing the dreaded 12 post in the short runs to the crooked turn going 6 furlongs. He was able to get to the lead but probably a little quicker than trainer Fownes would have liked, then fought Whyte for a while when he tried to get him to relax on the lead. He held the lead until the 100 metre mark and finally threw in the towel with 50 to go, hopefully he’ll be sharper with the out next time and will be taken just off the lead and get a better barrier draw.

Horses to avoid next out:Race 3 #8 Peace Combination (56): Going to play that he doesn’t get a perfect trip like he got in today’s race next time out.

Anyone know why Amwager has the Sat night cards but not the Wed night?

The Happy Valley card is on usually on Wednesday evening in Hong Kong, which runs around 7:15 a.m. (EDT) on Wednesday morning. Amwager includes it in its Wednesday lineup, and that gets reset around 5:30 a.m. Note that Amwager almost never has the live video feed for the Happy Valley card. You can find it on DRF (url provided in this thread) TwinSpires, TVG (mixed in with several other things), RTN (pay for), etc.

Last race watch list horses:Race 3 Pakistan Star (4-5): Had been away from the races since he stopped abruptly on the backside in last year’s Premier Plate. Drew the rail and was very slow out of the gate when he took a nice leap when they opened, then was forced to chase the eventual winner Time Warp (126), in the stretch he looked raring to go but Purton on the winner didn’t leave any room in on the rail for him to get thru so Chadwick had to wait while being trapped with Werther (126) getting the jump on him on the run to Time Warp on his outside. Moved outside at the 150 mark but was unable to make the close at the wire while racing in between Werther and Seasons Bloom (126), should improve off that effort as long as he doesn’t go crazy again and stop running.

Race 5 Seventy Seventy (4-1): Was bet down as the 2-1 favourite in a pretty tough Class 4 going 1,200 metres with the services of Purton om board. Raced 5 lengths off the leader Lucky Lucky who was setting a quick first fraction, he was full of run entering the stretch while being herded down on the rail, he became rank for an extended period of time while Purton was trying to find some running room. He quickly accelerated when Purton was able to straighten him up but was outrun to the wire by a more experienced runner, he did tire in the last 50 metres switching back off his proper lead, should improve off this effort.

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